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Sirgany aims at US circuit

Published:Sunday | June 20, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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Jamaica's nine-year-old Joshua Sirgany (centre) celebrates his victory over America's Matthew Thomas (left) and Camden Donaldson (right) at last weekend's Rotax Pan American Challenge race meet in Indiana, United States. - Contributed
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Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

At nine, Jamaica's Joshua Sirgany is speedily making a name for himself on the North American circuit. He is now being referred to in that arena as 'Little Jamaican'.

Last weekend, the tiny-framed karter gave another stunning performance at the Rotax Pan American Challenge two-day meet at the New Castle Motorsport Track, Indiana, United States (US). The Saturday, he qualified second on pole, second in the heat race then moved on to win the finals. The next day offered different prospects.

"On the Sunday, he qualified fourth on pole. He then went on to finish a close fourth in the finals," said father Ricky Sirgany, who has been preparing him for the US Grand National slated for July 13-17.Speaking with Automotives, Joshua, who trains twice per week, said he intends to maintain his good form going into the big event next month in Indiana.

"When I grow older, I want to drive Formula One. This has been my dream," said Joshua. "Go karting helps me to be more focused, especially when I am in class," he further said.The youngster, who celebrates his 10th birthday in September, will be in action next weekend at a club event in Homestead, Florida. According to elder Sirgany, Joshua has competed in at least 20 overseas meets and has won 12 trophies to date. Based on his performance, the grade four Hillel Academy student has a good chance of winning the Micro-Max event at the US Grand National. "We believe he has a great chance of winning the event, because he has been beating the top five competitors in the Micro-Max races on the circuit," said the elder Sirgany, who described his son as an 'A' student and a quick learner.If Sirgany wins the Grand National, he will become the highest achiever in the Caribbean and could pave the way for international sponsorship. Local sponsors Jamaica Fibre Glass and Spanish Court Hotel have been playing an integral role in offsetting the racer's cost.

Other Jamaicans competing in the meet were Colin Daley, Jr and William Myers.

Reports are Daley was doing well until he developed mechanical problems in the Junior Class finals. Myers was impressive in the Mini Max Class and finished in the top 10.